What is Keratosis Pilaris (KP)?
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that causes patches of small, rough bumps, usually on the backs of the upper arms, the fronts of the thighs and the buttocks. It can also show up on the cheeks, particularly in children. The bumps can look like permanent goosebumps, which is where the name “chicken skin” comes from, while the redness around each bump on lighter skin gives it the nickname “strawberry skin”.
It isn’t harmful and doesn’t usually need medical attention, but plenty of people want to improve how their skin looks and feels.
What causes keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris happens when hair follicles become blocked with a build-up of keratin, a protein found in your skin, hair and nails. Each blocked follicle forms a small, hard plug, which is what you feel as a rough bump.
It’s not fully understood why some people get this build-up and others don’t, but it often runs in families. It’s also more common in people who have dry skin or atopic eczema. Cold weather, low humidity and long hot showers can further dry out your skin and make the bumps more noticeable.
Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris
Symptoms can be mild and easy to miss, or more obvious and widespread. You might notice:
- dry, rough skin that feels like sandpaper
- painless small bumps grouped in patches
- bumps that are skin-coloured, red on white skin or darker on brown and black skin
- mild itching, especially when your skin is dry
- symptoms that improve in summer and get worse in winter
If a rash is painful, spreading or weeping, or it appeared suddenly, speak to a pharmacist or GP, as it may be something other than keratosis pilaris, such as folliculitis.
How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
There’s no cure, but a regular skincare routine can soften the plugs and make the bumps less noticeable. The best treatment for keratosis pilaris depends on how much of your skin is affected and how sensitive it is. Most people get better results by combining moisturisers with gentle exfoliants, but it takes a few weeks of daily use, and the bumps may return if you stop using them.
Emollients and Moisturisers
Keeping your skin well moisturised is the first step in any chicken skin treatment. Emollients soften dry, rough and bumpy skin and stop it from feeling tight and itchy. Creams containing ceramides, the natural fats in your skin’s outer layer, help strengthen the skin barrier so it holds on to moisture for longer.
They work best when you apply them straight after a bath or shower while your skin is still slightly damp. Choosing unperfumed products and swapping regular soap for an emollient wash can reduce dryness even more.
Exfoliating Creams
Exfoliating creams are the next step for strawberry skin treatment when moisturising alone isn’t enough. They contain ingredients that gently loosen dead skin cells and help break down the keratin plugs, including:
- Urea: softens thickened skin and draws moisture into it
- Lactic acid: an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that smooths skin texture and adds hydration
- Salicylic acid: a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that loosens the build-up inside hair follicles
- Glycolic acid: another AHA that helps resurface the skin, often found in body lotions and washes
There’s no single strawberry treatment cream that suits everyone, so it can take some trial and error to find a product your skin is comfortable with. These ingredients can sting on broken or irritated skin, so start by using them every other day if your skin is sensitive. Our pharmacists can help you choose a suitable cream during your online consultation.
Prescription Treatments
If over-the-counter keratosis pilaris treatments haven’t made a difference after a few months, your GP may refer you to a dermatology clinic. Specialist options can include stronger creams such as topical retinoids, a short course of steroid cream to calm inflamed patches or laser therapy to reduce redness. These are usually saved for more stubborn cases.
When to See a Pharmacist or GP
Speak to a pharmacist if the things you’ve tried at home aren’t helping and your skin is bothering you. Our team can talk you through each treatment for pilaris keratosis we stock and recommend one that suits your skin. See your GP if the bumps become painful, bleed or look infected, if the rash covers large areas or if you’re not sure it’s keratosis pilaris.
